NOVELIC’s 60 GHz In-Cabin Radar Solution to Hit Market in 2026 Following Tier 1 Supplier Nomination
NOVELIC, a pioneer in millimeter-wave (mmWave) radar sensor technology, has announced that its Automotive Child and Occupant Monitoring(ACAM) system will be entering mass production in 2026. This milestone comes after the technology was selected for integration by a prominent Tier 1 automotive supplier, marking a major step forward in enhancing in-cabin vehicle safety features.
The ACAM system uses advanced 60 GHz mmWave radar to deliver highly accurate in-cabin monitoring, with a strong focus on Child Presence Detection (CPD) and Seat Occupancy Detection. These features are designed to protect vulnerable occupants, particularly young children, by monitoring vehicle interiors in real time—without the need for cameras, and without compromising passenger privacy.
“Our early investments in developing mmWave radar solutions have paid off,” said Dr. Raffaele Soloperto, VP of Automotive Radar at NOVELIC. “NOVELIC’s module is reaching market maturity, and we’re proud to be bringing this life-saving functionality to end-users next year.”
A Timely Innovation Amid Rising Child Hot Car Fatalities
The development of NOVELIC’s ACAM system comes at a critical time, as global concern around hot car deaths continues to escalate. According to official statistics, 39 child deaths linked to vehicular heatstroke were reported in the United States in 2024 alone. The issue has gained considerable attention from both lawmakers and regulatory bodies around the world.
In Europe, regulatory efforts are already taking concrete shape. The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) will require Child Presence Detection systems in all new vehicles by 2025 for those aiming to earn a five-star safety rating. This regulatory push creates a pressing need for effective, privacy-conscious, and reliable in-cabin monitoring technologies.
NOVELIC’s radar-based ACAM system is purpose-built to fulfill this regulatory requirement, enabling automotive OEMs to maintain compliance while advancing overall safety standards.
How 60 GHz mmWave Radar Transforms In-Cabin Monitoring
Unlike traditional camera-based occupant monitoring systems (OMS), which may struggle under certain conditions, radar-based systems offer a significant performance edge. NOVELIC’s 60 GHz radar solution can detect children even if they are hidden under blankets or obscured behind front seats. Moreover, the system can identify a child’s presence in as little as seven seconds, ensuring prompt alerts and interventions.
These interventions can include:
- Sending push notifications to a parent’s smartphone
- Triggering the vehicle alarm
- Activating the air conditioning system to cool the interior
This non-intrusive sensing method preserves privacy by not collecting or storing images or personally identifiable information, a critical advantage as concerns about in-vehicle surveillance grow.
Expanding Use Cases for mmWave Radar in Automotive Applications
Beyond child presence detection, NOVELIC’s radar module supports a variety of advanced in-cabin and exterior vehicle monitoring functions. These include:
- Seat Occupancy Detection (SOD): Determining which seats are occupied to optimize airbag deployment and seatbelt reminders.
- Intrusion Detection: Monitoring the cabin when the vehicle is parked to detect unauthorized entry.
- Proximity Alerts: Sensing motion near the exterior of the vehicle to prevent accidents in parking lots or driveways.
- Driver Vital Signs Monitoring: Measuring respiration rate and heart rate contactlessly, which is essential for fatigue detection and medical emergency response.
These functionalities are part of NOVELIC’s broader vision to provide comprehensive, non-invasive vehicle sensing systems that improve road safety and occupant wellness.
Industry Recognition and Momentum
In recognition of its innovation, NOVELIC’s ACAM system was recently honored with the In-Cabin Innovation of the Year award at the ADAS & Autonomous Vehicle International Awards. The award commended ACAM for radically enhancing the driver and passenger experience, comfort, and safety.
The growing momentum behind ACAM is not just a testament to the product’s technical performance, but also to its market readiness and alignment with upcoming regulatory demands.
Strategic Value for Automotive OEMs and Tier 1 Suppliers
By integrating NOVELIC’s ACAM solution, automotive Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs gain a future-proof technology platform that enables them to meet evolving safety regulations and consumer expectations. The 60 GHz radar system’s compact size, low power consumption, and competitive cost structure make it an attractive solution for scalable deployment across multiple vehicle classes—from compact city cars to premium SUVs.
The modular nature of the system also allows automakers to customize and scale its use for different vehicle models and markets, tailoring functionality based on regional regulations and customer needs.
A Glimpse Into the Future of In-Cabin Sensing
As the automotive sector continues to prioritize driver and occupant safety, the shift toward radar-based sensing is accelerating. NOVELIC’s ACAM is at the forefront of this evolution, delivering not only regulatory compliance but also value-added features that enhance comfort and convenience.
Looking ahead, NOVELIC plans to expand its radar portfolio further, with ongoing R&D in driver health monitoring, gesture control, and environmental sensing. These innovations aim to support the automotive industry’s transition toward intelligent, autonomous, and human-centered mobility ecosystems.
